Everyone knows that it can be difficult to find a summer job while still in high school. A lot of places don't hire people under a certain age and other places don't like hiring only for the summer. That leaves fast-food places and creepy gas stations as options. No one wants to work there. I realized during high school that the best summer job by far is working at a summer camp. The list of reasons could go on for a while, but here are ten of the big ones.

1. You get a great tan

Spending hours a day outside means constant tanning, without having to lie still for an hour. Even someone as pale as myself is able to get a tan working at a summer camp. Just ignore those awkward tan lines from your shorts and tank top and you're good to go!

2. You get to be outside all day

If you're anything like myself, staying inside when it's nice outside is nearly impossible to do. Working at a summer camp means doing nearly every outside activity possible and you love every minute of it (minus the sweat of course).

3. You get paid for having fun

Who doesn't love getting paid for swimming, horseback riding, go-karting, and playing games? Of course, you also are in charge of an occasionally loud group of kids, but the fun outweighs that minor detail.

4. You get to dress down

Most jobs have a strict dress code were you have to wear button-down shirts and nice pants. Working at a summer camp means athletic clothing all the time, and, if you work at a camp like mine, you won't even have to wear shoes most of the time. Life couldn't get any better.

5. Amazing games

Everyone who works at a camp knows that the games are amazing. Capture the flag in the dark, kickball, baseball, and so many more. Let's not forget the shaving-cream battles that always end up happening by the end of the week.

6. The food

Camp food is probably the most amazing food I've ever eaten. Mac-and-cheese, tacos, and lets not forget the amazing deserts (s'mores anyone?) I think I leave camp having gained weight, despite all the walking, simply because I eat so much.

7. Campfires

Probably my favorite time is when we all gather around the campfire. I just love the smell of and the crackling sound it makes. And no one can forget the silly songs you end up singing as you stand around it. It's all you need to make a perfect night.

8. The campers

No matter how you feel about kids, you can't help but love the ones in your group. I always end up referring to them as "my kids" because you can't help but get attached. They're like the little siblings you have, except less annoying and more adorable (for the most part anyway).

9. You get to be away from home

No one loves family more than me, but sometimes, it's nice to get away for a little. Camp is the perfect place to get away for a week and spend some quality time with people who aren't related to you.

10. You make a second family

All jokes aside, my family for the summer consisted of the rest of the camp staff and my campers. That's how it is at most camps. You went on adventures with the other counselors when the kids left. You had campers year after year and they became great friends. When you leave, you can't help but feel like you're missing a piece of who you are.

Working over the summer isn't everyone's favorite thing to do, but if you work at a summer camp, you never feel like your working. I always looked forward to summer during high school, not because of not having school, but because I got to work at camp with some of my best friends. Those summers will always be some of my favorite memories.